Providence, RI - Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today that Rhode Island has been selected as the 14th partner state to participate in the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative, which helps states assess the costs and benefits of policy options and use that data to make decisions based on results. Governor Chafee formally requested Rhode Island's participation on March 21, citing the state's recent moves toward data-driven decision-making and improved outcomes.

"Our state has made significant progress in the last two years toward promoting data-driven decision-making in budget and policy matters, as well as improving outcomes of state-run programs," Governor Chafee said. "It is my hope that the technical support and policy matter expertise provided by Results First will allow us to build on recent achievements and strengthen our ability to provide quality services to Rhode Islanders. We are determined to examine nationwide best practices and pursue more program analysis in our policy and budget decision-making, and we look forward to collaborating with Results First in that effort."

"Rhode Island, like many states, is under increasing pressure to ensure that scarce resources are invested in effective programs," said Gary VanLandingham, director of the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative. "We are pleased to be working with the state to use cutting-edge cost-benefit analysis tools to help policymakers make more informed decisions about allocating limited tax dollars. Other states have used this approach to target funding to programs that provide the best bang for the buck, and we are confident that Rhode Island can achieve similar positive results."

Results First is working with states to implement cutting-edge cost-benefit analysis tools to identify options that provide the best outcomes for citizens while improving states' fiscal health.

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